Mold allergies, a common type of respiratory allergy, are triggered by an overactive immune system that responds excessively to the presence of mold spores, a type of fungus.
This immune response is characterized by the release of immune system chemicals, including histamine, an inflammatory chemical that causes typical allergic symptoms. An allergy to mold can manifest in various ranges of severity.
For instance, nasal congestion, a common symptom, is caused by inflammation in the nasal passages due to the immune system’s response to mold exposure. This can also lead to a runny nose, another typical symptom of mold allergies.
Understanding and managing mold allergies is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing severe reactions. This article will explore mold allergies, how to identify if you are allergic, what medications can be taken to alleviate symptoms, and how to treat mold allergies.
What Are Mold Allergies?
Mold allergies are a health condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to the presence of mold spores, leading to an allergic response. This immune system response is triggered by the inhalation of airborne mold spores, which are tiny particles released by various types of mold, including common molds like black mold.
These mold spores are ubiquitous, meaning they can be found virtually everywhere, both in indoor environments, such as your home or office, and in outdoor settings.
Indoor molds often thrive in damp environments, such as bathrooms or areas with water damage, while outdoor mold is typically found on dead plant material and in moist soil. The levels of household mold can increase due to water seepage, leaky pipes, or roof leaks, which create moist environments in which mold thrives.
This means that mold allergies can be a persistent issue, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy skin throughout the year. In some cases, mold allergies can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to allergic asthma or even a severe asthma attack in people with asthma.
How to Know if You Are Allergic?
Identifying a mold allergy can be a complex process, but it is critical for managing your health condition. In some cases, mold allergies can cause immediate allergic reactions, while in others, symptoms may be delayed, leading to a stuffy nose or worsening asthma symptoms over time.
In a skin prick test, a small amount of a suspected allergen, in this case, mold spores, is pricked into the skin using a tiny needle. The skin’s reaction, which could range from a mild itch to a skin rash, is then observed and measured.
Blood tests, on the other hand, measure the amount of specific antibodies, known as IgE antibodies, present in your blood when exposed to mold. A blood sample is taken and sent to a medical laboratory for analysis.
What To Take For Mold Allergies
There are several medications available that can help manage the symptoms of mold allergies. These include over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, a very common type of allergy medication, can play a crucial role in managing the symptoms of mold allergies. These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, an inflammatory chemical that the immune system releases during an allergic response to foreign invaders such as mold spores.
Histamine is responsible for many of the irritating nasal symptoms associated with allergies, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. By inhibiting the action of histamine, antihistamines can help to alleviate these symptoms, providing relief for individuals suffering from mold allergies.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are another type of medication. These medicines are specifically designed to combat the inflammation in the nasal passages often caused by exposure to mold spores. These medications work by reducing the immune response in the nasal passages, alleviating irritating nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and nasal dryness.
Nasal corticosteroids, which can be administered through a nasal lavage or as a nasal spray, are particularly effective for individuals with severe or persistent mold allergy symptoms. These medications are often recommended by allergy specialists for those who have a history of allergies, particularly mold allergies.
How To Treat Mold Allergies
The best way to treat mold allergies is to avoid exposure to mold spores as much as possible. This is a variety of strategies, including wearing a dust mask, reducing humidity in the home, and filtering the air.
Avoidance of Exposure to Mold
One of the most effective ways to manage mold allergies is to avoid exposure to mold spores. This can be done by regularly cleaning areas where mold is likely to grow, such as garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans, and by avoiding outdoor activities during times when mold counts are high. Mold spore counts are highest on foggy, humid, damp, or rainy nights.
Use A Dust Mask
Wearing a dust mask over your nose and mouth can serve as a crucial protective measure to prevent the inhalation of mold spores, especially when engaging in outdoor activities where mold exposure is likely. Activities such as raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or working around compost can stir up airborne mold spores, increasing the risk of allergic reactions. If you’re dealing with visible mold or a high mold spore count indoors, a dust mask can be beneficial.
Reduce Humidity in your Home
Maintaining an indoor humidity level below 50% is very helpful in preventing the growth of various types of mold, including common molds like black mold. This can be accomplished by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or exhaust fan, or by opening a window to reduce moisture and humidity in bathrooms or other rooms in the home.
Water seepage, plumbing leaks, or flood damage can create damp environments that are conducive to mold growth. Using a moisture meter can help you monitor humidity levels and detect any potential issues early.
Filter The Air
Air purifiers can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of mold allergies by removing mold spores from the air. These airborne mold spores, which can be released by various types of mold, including common molds like black mold, can trigger mold allergy symptoms upon exposure.
Choosing an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is crucial as these filters can capture the tiniest particles, including mold spores.
When to See an Allergist
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of mold allergies, such as nasal congestion, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing, and an itchy throat, it may be time to see an allergist. These symptoms can be a reaction to various types of mold, including common molds like black mold, which can be found in damp environments both indoors and outdoors.
An allergist can perform tests to confirm whether you have a mold allergy and can provide personalized treatment options, which may include medications or immunotherapy (a series of allergy shots). If you’re looking for an allergy clinic in Philadelphia, NJ, Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy also serves the areas of Glenside, Elkins Park, Bala Cynwid, Ardmore, and Havertown. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team of experienced professionals, or reach out to our Walnut Street location.